Page 78 of Colton On Guard
“Thanks.” Ushering his brother in, Parker led the way to the living room, where Genna, JB and Revis were all snuggled on the couch. Though both dogs looked up at the intruder, they must have decided Eli was safe because they laid their heads back down on Genna.
“I brought you food,” Eli announced, gesturing toward the pizza box in Parker’s arms. “Hopefully, it’ll make up for whatever crap they fed you in the hospital.”
“Thank you.” Genna smiled. “Any news? Did Ann bond out?”
“Not yet. She kept saying her husband would be coming to rescue her, but the dude never showed. Now she’s demanding to talk to you.”
“Me?” Recoiling, Genna looked at Parker. He shrugged.
“I’m sorry,” Eli said. “I have no idea what she wants to say, but apparently there’s something she needs to get off of her chest.”
“I don’t think I care to hear it.”
“I don’t blame you.” Eli looked at Parker. “She tried to kill you after all.”
“She probably wants to try and talk you into dropping charges,” Parker interjected.
“That’s not going to happen.” Eyeing the pizza box, which Parker still held, she gestured. “I’d really like to have some of that. Would you mind grabbing some paper plates so we can eat?”
Both dogs perked up at her words.
“Not for you,” she scolded, half laughing.
“I brought wine, too,” Eli pointed out.
“Thanks, but I’m not sure I can drink with all these pain meds.”
Eli shook his head. “Sorry, I didn’t think. Well, just save the bottle for later.”
Parker went into the kitchen and returned with plates and napkins. Eli set the pizza box down in the middle of the coffee table and opened it. “I just got basic pepperoni,” he said. “And a large, in case you both are hungry. I hope that’s okay.”
Parker’s stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten in a long while. “That’s perfect,” he said.
“That smells so good!” Sitting up, Genna shooed the dogs away. Making an appreciative sound, she grabbed a couple of slices, looking up at both men. “Don’t be shy. Help yourself,” she said, licking her fingers. “Thanks for getting this, Eli.”
Parker grabbed a few slices and Eli did the same. They all ate, sitting around the living room, with the two dogs watching intently. Both men took seconds, though Genna declined.
“That was wonderful,” Genna said, covering her mouth as she yawned. “And now I’m going to close my eyes for a bit. Please don’t mind me. I just really need to rest.”
“I’d better be going.” Eli stood. He grabbed the empty pizza box while Parker gathered up their plates. Together, they carried everything into the kitchen.
“I’ll walk you out.” Moving quietly so not to disturb Genna, Parker led the way to the front door.
Outside, Eli stopped on the front porch. “How’s she doing mentally?” he asked, his gaze searching Parker’s face. “This is a lot for anyone to deal with.”
“She still seems to be processing it all,” Parker replied. “I’ve been awfully worried about her.” He shook his head. “To think it was Ann all along. Genna really thought moving five hours away had put an end to the harassment.”
“Normally, it would, at least under normal circumstances. However, that woman has been talking up a storm.” Eli grimaced. “We’re going to have to ask for a psych evaluation.”
“I imagine. Her ex, Chad, stopped by at the hospital.”
Eli went very still. “How did he know he’d find her there?”
“Good question. I have no idea.” Parker thought for a moment. “Are you thinking he was with Ann when all this went down?”
“Now I am. Because otherwise, wouldn’t he be back in Anchorage?”
“True. But when he visited Genna, he told her that he’d left Ann for another woman.” Parker shook his head. “Which seems about right, considering what Genna has said about him.”